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Thread: BCM barrel length inconsistencies

  1. #1
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    BCM barrel length inconsistencies

    I received a BCM 14.5" mid length barrel earlier this week and the first thing I did was measure it as my last two BCM 14.5" BFH barrels were actually 14.7". I know its not just me either. I've read a lot of threads where people reported varying barrel lengths between 14.5" and 14.8" on BCM's 14.5" series so I was hoping the barrel length inconsistencies were only with the BFH series.

    (Which would make sense because the PSA 14.7" CHF barrels are marked 14.5" from FN from their factory and also Centurion Arms is going to start offering 14.7" FN sourced barrels instead of cutting down their 16" like they've being doing in the past)

    But unfortunately the barrel measures exactly 15" (I measure it by inserting the bolt into the barrel extension and then dropping in a dowel rod, marking it, and then measuring) which is quite a big difference from 14.5". For those of us not fortunate enough to always reside in a NFA friendly state, millimeters sometimes matter. If I order a 14.5" barrel, I definitely don't want a 15" barrel (why is it even 15" anyways?).

    I've emailed BCM and I'm waiting on their response but I figured I'd just let everyone know in case there's some people who are in the same boat as I was in.

    I'd also be interested to hear why there would be such inconsistencies with their barrels if anyone has some insight. This is the first manufacturer I've experienced this with (all of my Noveske, LMT, KAC, Colt, and hell even PSA barrels have been the exact length they were sold/advertised as).

    I know there's a lot of people on this site who would receive a crooked barrel from BCM and chalk it up to inconsistency, say 'well everyone has trouble once in a while' and let them fix it (which I have no doubt they will) but I guarantee the same people who are going to jump to their defense would absolutely trash any of the sub-tier manufacturers if they received a barrel sized differently.

    Thoughts? Any insight?

    Cheers!

    ETA:
    Thanks for unlocking the thread.

    I asked BCM if all their barrels were indeed 15" or if there was some variation in the barrel lengths. They got back to me quickly but they did not answer any of my questions.

    Response:
    "Hi Dave,

    Thank you for contacting us. We do appreciate your business. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase you are welcome to return the stripped barrel to us for a refund. If you would like to return the barrel, please let us know and we will issue a RMA to return the barrel.

    Thank you for choosing BCM."



    For those of you asking... I'm 100% sure its a 15" barrel. I measured it 10 times now. I have a 24" Dewey 1 piece cleaning rod which I drop down the barrel onto a closed bolt, I then mark the cleaning rod at the crown and pull it out and measure the rod. My 14.5" barrels will measure 14.5" at the crown, this BCM barrel definitely measures 15" at the crown.

    Also I have no idea why some people keep saying 2/10" (why not simplify it and write 1/5") or .2"... last I checked the difference between 14.5" and 15" is 1/2" or .5".



    ETA Again:
    They still have not offered anything but standard replies (nothing about the barrel length, or offering any apologies).

    They're saying to return the barrel BUT I have to pay for shipping back, they won't refund my shipping charges, AND they're charging a 15% restocking fee. Basically I'm going to be short $75 for something they sold which was not in spec or as advertised.

    IMO, this is absolutely unacceptable customer service and not something I'd expect from BCM.
    Last edited by buckjay; 04-30-13 at 14:33.

  2. #2
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  3. #3
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    As long as the darn thing isn't crooked, does 2/10ths of an inch really matter lengthwise?
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    OP, while you're probably right RE: trashing sub-par AR vendors, ultimately you have to decide "does it matter to me?" For me, enough people with two-way range experience have vetted BCM (amongst other quality brands), and for me, my usage, and potential use cases, minute differences in barrel length wouldn't matter. If it's something you're concerned about, then you're on the right path in emailing BCM for an explanation, and please do post any response as it is an interesting quirk.

    My priority is "does the gun run reliably" - I'd shoot the heck out of it and determine if it meets my requirements. I could care less if the barrel is 15" or 16"... but again, that's just me, and you have a right to be concerned and get a response.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by buckjay View Post
    I received a BCM 14.5" mid length barrel earlier this week and the first thing I did was measure it as my last two BCM 14.5" BFH barrels were actually 14.7". I know its not just me either. I've read a lot of threads where people reported varying barrel lengths between 14.5" and 14.8" on BCM's 14.5" series so I was hoping the barrel length inconsistencies were only with the BFH series.

    (Which would make sense because the PSA 14.7" CHF barrels are marked 14.5" from FN from their factory and also Centurion Arms is going to start offering 14.7" FN sourced barrels instead of cutting down their 16" like they've being doing in the past)

    But unfortunately the barrel measures exactly 15" (I measure it by inserting the bolt into the barrel extension and then dropping in a dowel rod, marking it, and then measuring) which is quite a big difference from 14.5". For those of us not fortunate enough to always reside in a NFA friendly state, millimeters sometimes matter. If I order a 14.5" barrel, I definitely don't want a 15" barrel (why is it even 15" anyways?).

    I've emailed BCM and I'm waiting on their response but I figured I'd just let everyone know in case there's some people who are in the same boat as I was in.

    I'd also be interested to hear why there would be such inconsistencies with their barrels if anyone has some insight. This is the first manufacturer I've experienced this with (all of my Noveske, LMT, KAC, Colt, and hell even PSA barrels have been the exact length they were sold/advertised as).

    I know there's a lot of people on this site who would receive a crooked barrel from BCM and chalk it up to inconsistency, say 'well everyone has trouble once in a while' and let them fix it (which I have no doubt they will) but I guarantee the same people who are going to jump to their defense would absolutely trash any of the sub-tier manufacturers if they received a barrel sized differently.

    Thoughts? Any insight?

    Cheers!
    Take a wild guess as to where BCM sources their chrome lined barrels from.
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  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by rojocorsa View Post
    As long as the darn thing isn't crooked, does 2/10ths of an inch really matter lengthwise?
    on my rifle no, on my gun yes.

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    Oh, a victim of circumcision. Nyuk! Nyuk!
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  8. #8
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    I'd be pissed off.

    You ordered a 14.5" barrel. Not 14.4 or 14.6 or anything other than 14.5.

    If it's a 15" mid, which I think makes a lot of sense, advertise it as such.

    If it's advertised as a 14.5", it should be real close. As in .00-something of an inch, not .-something of an inch...

  9. #9
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    Re: BCM barrel length inconsistencies

    If you order and pay for a high quality 14.5" barrel then it should measure at 14.5"....period. Since when did it become acceptable to buy a high quality item and not expect it to be exactly what you paid for.

    Are you sure you measured correctly?
    Last edited by wahoo95; 04-27-13 at 09:56.

  10. #10
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    A few thousandths of a inch I could see, but .500 is way to much for me. Not sure why anyone would think this is ok.

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